Deities and Faith
If my body cannot manage bowing every three steps, am I unable to repent or seek blessings?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
No. A mountain pilgrimage is not the only means of repentance or prayer. Religious traditions have different rites for averting difficulties, seeking blessings and supporting fortune, which may have similar functions. You need not assume that personally bowing every three steps uphill is the only opportunity to seek help.
Bowing every three steps is physically demanding. Assess your condition first. Consider joining if circumstances allow and you wish to experience it. Hearing that pilgrimage is meaningful should not make you disregard whether your body can bear it.
What is distinctive is personal participation, undertaking each step yourself. With repentance, gratitude and reverence, reflecting on shortcomings and learning others’ virtues makes training the mind important throughout. Understand that intention, rather than merely count the steps and bows.